A Double Standard in Case of Missing Black Teen?

A Double Standard in Case of Missing Black Teen?Sheryl Huggins Salomon, The Root, January 9, 2011

Would there be more media attention to Phylicia Simone Barnes’ disappearance if she were white? Baltimore police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi suggests that this is the case. “I can’t see how this case is any different from Natalee Holloway,”Guglielmi said, according to ABC News. “Is it because she’s African American? Why?”

He also noted with regard to the media’s priorities, “Birds are falling out of the sky in Arkansas and two-headed calves, and this girl may lose her life.”

The 16-year-old North Carolina teen, who, acccording to reports, is a straight-A student, went missing on Dec. 28 during a visit with relatives in Baltimore. Baltimore Metro Crime Stoppers has offered a cash reward of up to $2,000 for her discovery. As of Sunday, Baltimore police were saying that they fear the worst, but if you think you know anything about her disappearance, call the tip line that have police set up for her at (855) 223-0033. (Read more)

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